Strategic Communications Specialist

The United Nations in Bangladesh supports the Government and partners to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the aim of advancing prosperity for all people of Bangladesh. The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026 is the single most important planning tool for coordinating the UN’s development activities in Bangladesh. The UN Resident Coordinator is responsible for coordinating these activities, which have five strategic priorities:

Strategic Priority 1: Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development
Strategic Priority 2: Equitable Human Development and Well Being
Strategic Priority 3: Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Environment
Strategic Priority 4: Transformative, Participatory and Inclusive Governance
Strategic Priority 5: Gender Equality and Eliminating Gender-Based Violence

The Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) drives forward implementation of the UNSDCF in partnership across all UN agencies and with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, private sector and a vast array of stakeholders.

The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) is the designated representative of the Secretary General, and the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System at the country level. The RC leads the UN Country Team and coordinates the support of the UN support to the country in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

The RC Office (RCO) in Bangladesh consists of a core capacity (strategic planner, economist, partner-ships officer, and data, monitoring, and reporting officer), and advisory teams for Humanitarian Affairs.

The position is located within the RCO and will be part of the Development Coordination/Communication Team, that works closely with and provides secretariat support to the RCO teams.

The assignment will involve strengthening strategic communications within RCO to highlight and showcase better the UN’s work in Bangladesh for the development community within and outside the country, where key stakeholders include the Government of Bangladesh, people of the country, civil society, as well as donors and the greater international development community. The assignment will also focus on developing and honing key messaging and a Crisis Communications Plan for the UNCT ( United Nations Country Team) in Bangladesh, and support capacity building on communications and strategic messaging within the RCO. Key deliverables will include the drafting of stories, articles and social content, support with media relations, and development of the UNCT Crisis Communications Plan in close consultation with the UN Communications Group (UNCG).

Under the direct supervision of the Head of RCO, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the RC and Head of RCO as well as the RCO core team and advisory teams with the production of strategic communications materials, media relations and other strategic communications initiatives as required.

• Consult with UN agency colleagues and draw on existing SOPs to develop a dedicated Crisis Communications Plan for the UN in Bangladesh.

• Further develop the UNCT package of key messages on priority issues,
including: 1) Communicating on Impact and Results; 2) Electoral preparedness, good governance and reforms; 3) Humanitarian-development priorities for Bangladesh; ensure knowledge management and dissemination of/access to key messages as appropriate.

• Provide capacity building sessions for the existing communications team and RCO colleagues as re-quired on the development of social media content, stories, website maintenance.


Results/Expected Outputs:

• High quality communications outputs across multiple platforms, with expanded and sustainable capacity built within the RCO.
• Package of key messages is updated and consolidated and made available on the appropriate common platform for access by the UNCT/UNCG.
• UNCT Crisis Communications Plan is endorsed by the RC and heads of agency.